Law Changes

Amendments to the Laws of the Game 2016/17

On 1 June 2016 the biggest revision of the Laws of the Game in the sport’s history came into effect. More information on The IFAB and the Laws of the Game can be found at http://www.theifab.com.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is the independent guardian of the Laws of the Game, and the only body authorised to decide and agree changes to the Laws of the Game. On 5 March 2016 at the 130th IFAB AGM held in Cardiff, the most comprehensive revision to the Laws of the Game it the sport’s history was approved. The aim of the revision is to make the Laws of the Game more accessible and more easily understood by everyone in football and increase consistency of understanding, interpretation and application.

This revision consists of 95 individual amendments to the Laws, along with a reorganisation and redesign of the law book itself. These changes came into force worldwide on 1 June 2016, however as the Football West season was still running at that time they do not come into force until the 2017 season, i.e. 1 January 2017. The majority of the 95 amendments are minor rewording or reorganising of the Laws, however there are a number of significant changes.

Due to the significance of this revision, all match officials must complete an online learning module and multiple choice examination (achieving an 80% pass mark) to ensure they have an accurate understanding of the changes. If an official does not reach the required pass mark, then they may undertake the exam again as many times as they need to until such time as they reach the required mark. Not reaching the required mark on the first attempt is not an issue as this is an educational exercise, but it is imperative that all officials are aware and understand the amendments, and therefore a successful passing score must be achieved prior to officiating any matches this season.